a research project by :
James P. Duggan
University of Vermont Historic Preservation Program
Fall 2004
The area of the Old North End where North Street meets North Avenue has been a center for the commercial and residential activities that have taken place in this neighborhood since the late 19th century. Its development has been linked to the influx of immigrant, blue-collar workers who were employed in the areas many businesses associated with the lumber industry. From this section of town, workers could easily walk down to the waterfront where most of the factories and storage yards were located.
Another factor leading to growth in this neighborhood was tied to transportation. On November 16, 1885, The Burlington Horse Railroad Company opened for business.[1] Charles D. Haines organized the horse-drawn street car company and constructed a line from the railroad station up Main Street to Church Street then on to Winooski.[2] By 1886, the tracks were extended down North Street. In 1888 the whole system was electrified, and by 1889 the tracks again extended north on North Avenue to Lakeview Cemetery.[3]
All photos in this section were taken by the author:
James P. Duggan – 2004.
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[1] David J. Blow, Historic Guide to Burlington Neighborhoods, (Burlington: Chittenden County Historical Society, 1997.
[2] DiSpirito & Robinson, Images of America, Burlington. (New Hampshire: Arcadia, 1997).
[3] Blow.